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PM Modi on X: Philippines President Bongbong Marcos and PM Narendra Modi during their meeting in New Delhi
In a significant development that marks a new chapter in India-Philippines relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of free e-visas for Filipino tourists, following the Philippines' recent decision to grant visa-free entry to Indian nationals. In a further effort to deepen people-to-people engagement, PM Modi announced that both countries are working towards launching direct flights between Delhi and Manila within this year. This long-anticipated development is expected to significantly ease travel, enhance tourism, and promote trade between the two nations.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who is currently on a five-day state visit to India. The visit also witnessed the formal elevation of India-Philippines ties to a Strategic Partnership, as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
“We welcome the decision of the Philippines to grant visa-free entry to Indian tourists,” said PM Modi. “In turn, India has decided to extend the facility of free e-visas to tourists from the Philippines. Efforts will also be made to launch direct flights between Delhi and Manila within this year.”
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that direct flights from Delhi to Manila will begin on October 1, 2025, further enhancing regional connectivity and boosting two-way tourism and business opportunities.
President Marcos, thanking India for its reciprocal gesture, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties. “We welcome the resumption of direct flights and have renewed our commitment to sustaining and expanding such air connectivity. I thank Prime Minister Modi for granting visas free of charge to Filipino travellers visiting India,” he said.
Both leaders also addressed broader geopolitical issues. PM Modi expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and welcomed the Philippines’ decision to join India’s International Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region.
In return, President Marcos conveyed the solidarity of the Filipino people, reaffirming the Philippines' strong stance against terrorism and shared regional security concerns.
The visit concluded with the signing of 13 wide-ranging bilateral agreements, covering sectors such as defence, digital technology, science and space cooperation, maritime security, cultural exchange, and tourism development. Notably, a Statement of Intent between ISRO and the Philippine Space Agency was exchanged to promote collaboration in the peaceful use of outer space.
The move to introduce free e-visas is expected to significantly increase Filipino tourism to India, while reinforcing the growing diplomatic and economic relationship between the two Indo-Pacific nations.
